If we hear a lot about cruises at sea for their grandiose aspect, it is these cruises that reveal a more intimate, calmer, more friendly aspect. These are river cruises. In France, it is possible to explore canals or nature reserves, in regions that most often house a rich natural and architectural heritage. During a weekend or a few days, we discover the country in an unusual way. France has a large river network and the barges and small boats made available are the ideal way to bring a little originality to a stay with many faces
Travel along the Canal du Midi, between the sun and the wonders of the south
All year round, the Canal du Midi allows you to dive into the heart of a preserved heritage, all along the water. A river cruise in the South of France offers you a fragrant moment, singing, under the sun, in a setting that never ceases to surprise. Between Toulouse and Sète, we have the opportunity to see multiple locks, aqueducts and bridges, not to mention the impressive Malpas tunnel. All these monuments shaped by man and which have crossed time to reveal their history. We also enjoy a wild nature, from the Minervois vineyards to the green valleys. We also take the opportunity to stop and walk through the alleys of picturesque villages such as Bram and its astonishing circular configuration, emblematic of Languedoc. Later, we go to Carcassonne, to conquer the medieval city and its treasures. At the end of the journey, we feel the Mediterranean air invade us as we cross the Thau pond. Throughout the tour, we will have taken care to enjoy the local gastronomy and good wines, with sunny notes.
The Burgundy Canal and the richness of its terroir
This may not be the region you think of first when you want to take a river cruise, but Burgundy has plenty to surprise you. A moment that promises to be authentic and that reveals all the art of living of the rural world. Once on board the boat, we sail towards the vineyards to taste some wines that combine fruity aromas and spicy accents. Burgundy is indeed a great wine-growing region where wines such as Crémant, a delicious sparkling AOC, are produced. We also leave a lot to discover charming villages where there is no shortage of interesting sites. Ravières, a fortified village, has many traces from the early 16th century such as old houses and the castle, residence of the Clermont family. By joining the Yonne or the Nivernais canal, you will be seduced by the beauty of nature where many animal species have made their home. They are perfect places for observation, listening and also for fishing
An original way to discover Brittany
On board a habitable boat, Brittany reveals the power of its nature and the charm of its small villages of character. We discover the region from the inside, taking the time to stop at must-see sites like Josselin, Rohan and Dinan. We take the time to admire the houses with their stone or half-timbered facades and we think of recharging our batteries in a small creperie, around a good glass of cider. All along the canal from Nantes to Brest, you can also see contrasting natural landscapes, from the Monts d'Arrée to the Redon marsh. It is also interesting to wear binoculars and not to hesitate to listen to the noises, synonymous with a very active fauna on a daily basis
The charms of the Camargue nature reserve
The Camargue offers a real break with everyday life, thanks to its intoxicating nature. Salt marshes and the natural park are home to several animal species. During your walks on the water, you will be surprised by wild horses in the middle of a race and you will not fail to look up to see many birds flying. What about the pink flamingos that bring their touch of sparkling colour in the middle of all this. While travelling through the Thau pond, you will occasionally dock at small ports such as Marseillan or Frontignan. The walks in the villages are punctuated by moments to contemplate the heritage before leaving for the Mediterranean. We end our stay by discovering Béziers. The city has many churches and places of worship to see. And then comes the time to walk on the sand and let yourself be rocked by the waves of the sea.
Live a life as a sailor in Alsace for a few days
Alsace has some 400 kilometres of waterways. The Canal de la Marne et du Rhin leads you straight to prestigious sites. We climb towards the legendary Dalbo Rock, a Celtic place of worship, at an altitude of 664 metres, before stopping in small typical Alsatian villages to stop and drink a good beer from the region. Sailing in Alsace takes us through changing landscapes. We pass from meadows to groves, then from groves to mountainous landscapes with the Vosges or the Black Forest as the background. And then there is the region of the ponds which offers a beautiful light at the end of the day, the unique experience of the inclined plane of Arzviller and the port of Saverne and its breathtaking view over the castle of Rohan. The possibilities of a river cruise in Alsace are endless, in short
